It's Not Just A Matter Of.........

Colombian International Elson Becerra was shot dead yesterday outside a nightclub in Cartagena de Indias.He was on holiday, considering a moveback home to Nacional de Medellin from UAE side Al Jazeera. He was involved in an argument with a group of men outside the nightclub, and was then shot four times once inside. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Vargas Hospital.

After the 1994 World Cup, Andres Escobar paid the ultimate price for scoring an own goal against USA , allegedly losing betting syndicates linked to Colombian drug cartels millions. He was gunned down outside a Colombian bar days later.

And two years ago Albeiro Usuriaga, who helped Colombia qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, was shot and killed when several gunmen opened fire in a nightclub in Cali.

In South America players live under intense scrutiny and pressure. and it's not unknown for players relatives to be kidnapped and ransomed .Inducements made as an offer that it isnt wise to refuse are commonplace

Its a sobering thought, that for some in football, it really can be a matter of life or death.